False claims about conscription are rampant on popular social media platforms.
HOUSTON — From TikTok to Facebook, some influencers are making some pretty bold claims about the military draft, with videos and posts suggesting that Gen Z is on the brink of being drafted, not just for men, but for women too. Some of the most-viewed videos claim that the draft has already begun, and that Americans between the ages of 18 and 26 will soon be called up to serve in an unnamed war.
These allegations are untrue. Currently, all American men must register for the draft when they turn 18. Failure to register can result in fines of up to $250,000 and potentially up to five years in prison.
The spark for these rumors may be a new bill introduced in Congress that would automate the draft registration process, which is already required by law.
Women are not yet required to register for the draft, but many have made the case for it on social media, and a bill has been proposed to include women in the draft, but political observers say it is unlikely to pass, at least for now.
This isn’t a new idea: In 2020, a panel of military experts told Congress that women should be eligible to serve in the military. As false claims like these fly around on social media, Zoomers should remember that the United States hasn’t had a military draft in over 50 years.
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